Northwest, Western Receive Awards

Northwest and Western high schools were honored last week as High Schools That Work Pacesetter Schools, an award given to 25 schools nationwide by the Southern Regional Education Board.

The award recognizes schools that have implemented the “High Schools That Work” design to improve student achievement.

More than 1,000 high schools participate in the program, which is “based on the premise that most students can master rigorous academic and career/technical studies if school leaders and teachers create a school environment that motivates all students to make the effort to succeed,” according to a Guilford County Schools press release.

Northwest and Western school officials received the award July 9 during a conference in Nashville, Tenn.

Northwest Principal Angelo Kidd said the Pacesetter designation is the second national award for Northwest this year.

“The award is evidence of the outstanding achievement of our students, teachers, parents and community,” he said.

Western Assistant Principal Shirley Stipe-Zendle said the school worked hard to implement the program’s key practices and is excited to be viewed as a model for other schools looking to use the High Schools That Work design.